The Jets have signed former Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
The deal will be signed once Kalil passes his physical.
The 34-year-old Kalil had announced his “retirement” but apparently that retirement only lasted until a better opportunity came along. Originally a second-round pick out of USC in 2007, Kalil spent 12 years in Carolina but his 2016 season was cut short with a shoulder injury and he was able to suit up for only six games in 2017 due to a serious neck injury.
He did rebound to start all 16 games in 2018 but did not play particularly well.
That said, Khalil is a clear upgrade from presumed starter Jonotthan Harrison for the Jets. His arrival is likely good news for second-year franchise QB Sam Darnold and pricey free agent running back Le’Veon Bell.